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 Dr. Gold, Ph.D, LMHC, Licensed and Board Certified Clinical MentalHealth Counselor, with a Ph.D in psychology, is in private practice at her home office in Fort Salonga, specializing in relationships and integrating traditional methods with holistic ones. She works with all type problems. She is a Life Coach, Workshop Leader, Lecturer, and published Author. Please contact her at drgold6@optimum.net. |
| Why do so many of us love Halloween? Because once a year we can dress up as somebody else, often somebody very different than who we are. After all, as much as we might like our life, being that same person day after day can get a bit boring at times. What would it be like to instead be a singer, a stunt actor, a CIA agent? Or, a famous entertainer? You and I enter a restaurant on a Saturday night and typically have to wait for a table. Suppose we were Lady Gaga or Chris Pratt. We could enter any restaurant at any time and get the best table in the place with no wait whatsoever. I believe it was Jeff Bridges, who said, “What I love most about being an actor is that I get to be so many different types of people. One day I’m an FBI agent, the next, I’m a fugitive being hunted down by the FBI, then I’m a famous singer, or a doctor. It’s never dull!” Well, though you and I might not be a famous entertainer, at times, we can be a different person. We keep putting on different “masks or costumes,” so to speak. Halloween is not the only instance when we get to express different parts of ourselves that are hidden. So, it goes like this… You are a rather introverted non-enthusiastic type person. You’d like to be more effusive at times, but that just isn’t you. Really!? Well, that can change in an instant. You step up to the check-out counter at your local supermarket. You notice that the clerk has a new hairstyle that looks very nice, but as usual, you don’t say anything. Instead, you tell her, “That hair color is very flattering on you.” She is appreciative and you’ve made her day; that will make you feel fantastic. Then, the next time you step up to her counter, you will get the star treatment. Another scenario–you visit a friend at her home and with delight she shows you her freshly painted kitchen. It has light green walls with a cherry red ceiling! WOW! It looks fantastic. You get home, look at your plain white wall and wish you had the courage to put some pizzazz into your home, but that just isn’t you. Really?! Put on a new “costume.” Select a small room, get some bright paints and go to town. Happy now? Who said that is not you?! Another scenario– you are a rather shy person. You walk into a room without being noticed and creep in as if nobody can see you, which they probably don’t. Well, this week will be different. You are putting on the “costume” of a confident, outgoing person. Your friend wears a bright pink dress or a bright red shirt…they look amazing! You wish you could dress like that, but you’re too conservative. So, as usual you put on that gray shirt, gray skirt and black blouse. You might as well be the paint on the wall, you so fade into his background. You would love to look more dramatic, but that just isn’t you. Really? Today put on a red tie or a bright red blouse, and step out there and sparkle. Now walk into any room with your shoulders back, your head held high, and a confident smile on your face. I’ll bet a number of people wonder who this person is. Do this at a restaurant and you might get a star quality table. It will bring out a whole new facet of your personality. Ready for that new costume? I hope so. BOO! Happy Halloween! Happier life! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 